Are American People Traveling To Bulgaria Safe?

Bulgaria is a safe country with low crime rates, with the most common form of crime being car theft and break-ins. However, there are areas to avoid, such as the red light district near Pliska Hotel and park areas near Lion’s Bridge.

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Bulgaria without restrictions. The country has a Traveler’s Checklist for emergency situations, and the CDC page provides the latest travel health information related to travel. U.S. official, service, and diplomatic passport holders must obtain a Bulgarian visa prior to arrival. As of September 1, 2021, passengers from the U.S. are prohibited from entering Bulgaria unless they meet any of the following exceptions: Bulgarian nationals and permanent residents.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Health Order issued April 6, 2020, continues restricted entry to Bulgaria, including U.S. citizens. From July 19th, 2021 to July 31st, 2021, Czech Republic citizens and Bulgarian citizens arriving in the Republic of Bulgaria from the Czech Republic do not need to provide a negative result from a PCR.

U.S. citizens traveling on regular tourist passports cannot stay more than a total of 90 days in Bulgaria within a six-month period without a Bulgarian visa. The US State Department recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Bulgaria.

In terms of safety, pickpocketing and bag snatching are common, but unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Bulgaria. Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country, and it is generally safe in general. If you plan to walk at night, it is best to do so in the center, not in neighborhoods.

What to be careful in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is confronted with a multitude of security challenges, including extreme weather conditions, pickpocketing and bag snatching, public demonstrations, drink spiking, bombings, shootings, and gang-related violence. It is imperative to carry a passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen Area, and to ascertain the latest information from local authorities and transport providers regarding any changes to entry and exit requirements. It is necessary to possess a driving permit in order to operate a motor vehicle in Bulgaria.

Is it safe to visit Bulgaria at the moment?

Bulgaria has a low terror threat but high crime rates in certain areas, including tourist hotspots like Sunny Beach. Burglary rates and nighttime assaults have increased in this area. Organised crime, particularly muggings in brothels, is prevalent, with young male tourists being lured into false comfort by prostitutes and attacked by male teams. Prostitution is not illegal in Bulgaria, but it is advised to avoid such services.

Children’s pickpocket gangs operate in Sofia and Varna, and criminals like bag slashers may cut tourists’ purse straps on public transport to steal their valuables. Petty crime is common in Bulgaria, making tourists prime targets.

Is it safe to travel to Bulgaria because of Ukraine?

Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and tensions with Russia, Bulgaria remains a safe destination for travelers and expats from the UK and other European countries. The country has not experienced any direct military attacks or terrorist incidents, and its security forces are well-prepared to prevent potential threats. Bulgaria has not imposed any travel restrictions or quarantine measures for visitors, as long as they have a valid passport, a negative COVID-19 test result, and proof of vaccination or recovery.

There have been no significant disruptions or shortages of essential goods and services due to the war or sanctions. Most of the population is supportive of the government’s policy and stance on the crisis, and the majority is generally peaceful and hospitable towards foreigners. However, travelers and expats should be aware of potential risks and challenges that may arise from the war and the situation in the region.

They should avoid traveling to or near the border areas with Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, and Turkey, participating in political rallies or demonstrations, being cautious of information and propaganda in media outlets or social media platforms, and being respectful and sensitive to the opinions and feelings of local people.

MuveOne, a European moving service and removals company, specializes in providing house removals services from the UK to Bulgaria. They can help with loading and transporting items in a secure and insured vehicle, clearing items at customs in Bulgaria, and providing storage and insurance options for your items.

What should I be careful of in Bulgaria?

Street crime in larger cities and late at night areas is increasing, with pickpockets and bag thefts being common. Unattended car thefts at petrol stations have also increased, so it’s crucial to lock your car when entering to pay for fuel. Tourists are targeted in Sunny Beach, larger cities, and resorts, and bus thefts from Nessebar to Sunny Beach have also increased. It’s also important to avoid taking valuables to the beach and be cautious of poorly lit roads at night. Some tourists have been victims of overcharging in ‘gentlemen’s clubs’ in Sofia and resorts like Bansko, Borovets, and Sunny Beach, with potential violence if they refuse to pay.

How safe is Bulgaria right now?

Bulgaria is a country with a relatively low crime rate and a generally safe environment. The use of the English language is more prevalent in urban areas such as Sofia, whereas it is less common in more rural settings. In order to gain entry into Bulgaria, Irish citizens are required to present a valid passport or travel document. While Irish passports do not have a minimum validity requirement for travel to the United Kingdom or the European Union, they should be valid for the duration of the intended stay.

Is Bulgaria friendly to the USA?

Bulgaria maintains active participation in military missions and maintains a close security partnership with the U. S., NATO, and the European Union. As of October 2007, Bulgaria had 380 soldiers participating in NATO Missions in Afghanistan, 152 in Iraq, 35-40 in Kosovo, and about 100 in Bosnia. The U. S. Summer Work-Travel Program is another significant aspect of the relationship, with about 10, 000 Bulgarian students receiving visas for summer jobs in 2007. The Embassy of Bulgaria in Washington, D. C. is the Republic of Bulgaria’s diplomatic mission, and the current Bulgarian Ambassador is Georgi Panayotov.

Is flying to Bulgaria safe?

Bulgaria’s Gypsy community poses security concerns for travelers, but most are harmless. They mainly engage in muggings and selling fake goods, including cheap tickets to popular events. Wild dogs are common in Bulgaria and pose a serious threat to life. It is important to stay away from them, as they often live in packs and pose a serious threat to life. Bulgaria has good diplomatic relations with neighboring countries like Romania and Greece, and is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the United Nations. To ensure a safe travel experience, travelers should follow sensible precautions, keep valuables out of public eye, and lock important travel documents in hotel safes.

How safe is Bulgaria for Americans?

Bulgaria is not dangerous for tourists if they follow rules and respect the culture. Crime is low, but pickpocketing and petty theft have been recorded in touristy areas and main cities. Bulgaria is a charming eastern European country with a direct train line to Turkey and offers a variety of satisfying destinations for a great price. However, the country’s reputation for organized crime and its diverse architectural influences can make the trip more stressful and complicated. Therefore, while Bulgaria offers a variety of attractions, it is not a safe destination for tourists.

Is Bulgaria allies with Russia?

The relations between Russia and Bulgaria are generally minimal due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while Bulgaria is a strong defender of the Ukrainian cause. The Cyrillic alphabet, which originated in the 9th century First Bulgarian Empire, was later adopted by Orthodox Slavic countries. Russia received Orthodox Christianity from the Bulgarian Empire, possibly during the time of Bulgarian Emperor Samuil. This act helped Bulgaria Christianize and civilize the vast Slavic sea, annexed it to Bulgarian literature and culture.

Both nations had a tradition of calling monarchs tsars, a Slavic word for emperor that originated in Bulgaria. Russia helped Bulgaria gain sovereignty from the Ottoman Empire, and the Bulgarians built an Orthodox church in Sofia named after Russian Orthodox saint Alexander Nevsky. The Bulgarian contribution to Slavic literature and Christian worship is known as the “first South Slavic influence”. Centuries later, during the Second Bulgarian Empire, Russia experienced the “second South Slavic influence” under the Tarnovo School of Literature. After the fall of the Second Bulgarian Empire under Ottoman rule, many Bulgarian missionaries and clergy found refuge outside their homeland, with some settling in Russian principalities.

Do they speak English in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria, a country in southeastern Europe, has a population of 7. 4 million, predominantly urban, with the majority speaking the official language, Bulgarian. English is the second most common foreign language, followed by Italian, Spanish, and French. Bulgaria is bordered by Romania, Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, and Serbia, and the Black Sea. The country has a strategic position, hosting various cultures, nationalities, and empires. The majority of the population is Bulgarian, with minority groups including Turkish and Roma people.

Bulgarian is an Indo-European language, spoken by the majority of the population, and is a close relative of the Macedonian language and a member of the Slavic group. The Cyrillical alphabet is used to write Bulgarian. The country’s low cost of living, stunning natural beauty, and amazing Black Sea coastline attract foreign expats from Russia, the US, and Western Europe.

Are US citizens allowed to travel to Bulgaria?

United States citizens are permitted to travel to Bulgaria without a visa for a period of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Nevertheless, as of mid-2025, travelers exempt from visa requirements will be required to obtain a travel authorization to enter the majority of European countries, including Bulgaria. The ETIAS system is not yet operational; however, third-country nationals currently residing in the United States may apply for short-term C visas through the official ETIAS website.